Wilhelm: Fremonters have fond memories of bowling alleys

Jul. 24, 2013

Written by

Roy Wilhelm

Recent columns about bowling alleys in Fremont prompted a flood of reaction from people with fond memories about them.

There were so many calls that my wife, Marty, began jokingly asking for receptionist or secretarial pay.

It was a lot of fun as people remembered lots of good times associated with bowling and the old alleys, especially the Paramont Lanes on Birchard Avenue near Bidwell and the Pastime, which some recalled as “Sonny’s” since the six-lane establishment upstairs in the 200 block of South Front was operated for years by Harold “Sonny” and Gladys Steiger.

The Paramount was a predecessor to the recently demolished Rainbow Lanes on East State Street.

The Pastime, however, went out of business more than half a century ago, but it had a long history.

I recently came across a newspaper article that trumpeted the coming of those lanes — and a lot more in that 200 block of South Front.

The Fremont Messenger of March 18, 1919, proclaimed the coming of the “Modern bowling alley.”

“One of the largest real estate transactions that has taken place in Fremont for a number of years was consummated … when A. C. Moore, well known young business man, purchased the Jackson block on south Front street, from A. H. Jackson. The cash consideration in the big deal was $20,000.

“The lower floor of this block is being used at present by the Jackson Auto Sales Co., as a salesroom and garage. …

“The entire building, with the exception of the third floor, which will be retained by the Tschumy Bros as a storeroom, will undergo a series of improvements.”

The first floor was to be converted into a billiard hall, a three-chair barber shop, a self-serve restaurant, a shoe shine stand and a cigar and tobacco shop.

“The second floor of the building will be utilized as a bowling alley. The best alleys obtainable will be installed.”

In a statement that tells us much about the changing times, the story goes on to point out “The second floor will also have a large spacious room for the convenience of ladies who wish to enjoy the bowling sport.”

Daring?

A special entrance was planned to lead to the bowling alleys, which were expected to cost Moore another $20,000.

The article praised Moore as a respected and successful businessman and pointed out “The location is an ideal place for a business (of this kind).”

Roy Wilhelm started a 40-year career at The News-Messenger in 1965, as a reporter. Now retired, he is writing about the history of some Sandusky County businesses.